Visit Malaysia: Camped Out at Endau Rompin

Endau Rompin is one of the most secluded rainforest to explore. I made it to Endau Rompin in 2007 when I joined Maybank Kembara group’s adventure.

We left Menara Maybank on the independence night in the year 2007. I remember the night vividly as it was the day I had seen more Indonesians than Malaysians on Kuala Lumpur streets, much to my wonder. I did not know anyone from Maybank except for the old man with whom I hiked Mount Tahan together. 2007 was the early year of my hiking hobby.

Lo and behold, the bus ride all the way to Endau Rompin National Park was nightmarish for there was no proper road connecting the civilization and the jungle. There were few times when we had to alight the bus as the bus tyres got stuck in the mud. We even had to build a stable wooden bridge so as to ensure it was safe for the bus to cross.

After the arduous hours on the bus, we arrived in Kampung Peta which is one of the two entry points into Taman Negara. We were transferred to a boat that brought us into the lush forest. The 30 minutes boat ride evinced the virginity of the jungle, untouched by the hazardous acts of human beings. The water was crystal clear that you would be able to see a reflection of your excited face on the surface of the water. As the boat cruised through the beautiful landscape, it had the same impact of picturesque wallpapers sliding on the computer screen.

Kampung Peta

The river stream at Endau Rompin.

Our destination was Kuala Marong campsite. Under the scorching sun and breezy wind with dropping waterfall background sound, we trekked and crossed the rivers in order to go to Kuala Marong campsite. The rainforest was flourished with flora and fauna. Naturally, trees grew to form a canopy, under which we sought shelter from the sun.

Upon reaching Kuala Marong, we were greeted with a signboard that indicates “Tasik Air Biru – 0.5km, Upih Guling – 0.5km, Batu Hampar – 3.0km, Buaya Sangkut – 5.5km”. We unpacked our bags and started to build up our camp and cooked dinner. We took turns to take a bath at the nearby river. It’s a see-through river, no doubt. The orang asli guide warned us not to take a bath after Maghrib prayer for it was said to be the time puteri bunian come down to bath.

Kuala Marong Campsite

View from Kuala Marong

On the next day, we went to Batu Hampar, Tasik Air Biru, and Upih Guling. In one of the three places, there are many reported drown cases and it is believed by the orang asli that it is haunted by spirits which lure the visitors to swim and get drown.

The highlight of the trip is one of the most beautiful waterfall in Endau Rompin by the name of Buaya Sangkut. The legend has it that once upon a time, there lived an orang asli family who loved their only daughter so much. It was believed a girl with fingers that could touched her arm was doomed to have a bad luck with crocodile. So, the family moved to hilly area far from the river so as to ensure that the safety of the daughter.

Buaya Sangkut

Buaya Sangkut

Picnic

The girl grew up fine but never given the opportunity to go to the stream and catch fishes like other girls of her age. One day, the father found a dead crocodile at the waterfall stuck at a tree. He believed that the crocodile travelled that far to hunt for his daughter. Consumed with anger, the father took a machete and then butchered the crocodile to get its skin. The crocodile skin was dried and used to make a gendang, a symbol of victory. Unfortunately, they claimed victory too soon as on the next day, the daughter was hit by gendang while sleeping and was found dead.

The waterfall if closely examined will disclose a figure of a crocodile head jutting out from the waterfall, thus the name Buaya Sangkut.

Before we left for Kuala Lumpur, we visited Kampung Orang Asli and we were taught using sumpit by the orang asli. We were given the chance to try sumpit too!

Kampung Peta Entrance

Sumpitan

As we bid adieu, I know I’ll be back in Endau Rompin. 5 years passed, I am still unsure when I’ll be there again to check if the jungle is still as virgin as before. If you have been there recently, please share your experience.

2 Comments

I really liked your description of your vis it to Kuala Marong. I am considering going in August this year.
How arduous are the walks? I visited Taman Negara last year and was utterly exhausted. What are the sleeping arrangements? I am 82 years old but reasonably fit for my age.